Lyna Mohamad
Social discrimination can lead to substance abuse, senior narcotics officer at the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Abdul Halim bin Haji Mohamed said.
“Studies have shown that social discrimination affects people’s opportunities causing psychological stress and setting a path for maladaptive coping mechanism by establishing unhealthy behaviors including substance abuse,” he said.
Speaking at a forum on ‘Respecting Diversity through Joint Social Action’ hosted by the Medical Social Work Department (MSW) of Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) at its lecture theatre yesterday in conjunction with World Social Work Day (WSWD), he also highlighted that this will lead to negative impacts on families, community, country and its economy.
The forum was moderated by Nazdeny Ardian bin Haji Johan.
Counsellor and motivator Haji Ali Yusri bin Haji Abd Ghafor started the forum on ‘Social worker making a difference’, where he unfolded the essence of social work and the importance of joint social action, highlighting the key characteristics of being a social worker.
Mental Health Advocates, Special Duties Officer, Counselling & Religious Understanding Unit at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Muhammad Yusuf bin Haji Abd Majid spoke on ‘Building Resilience through Connectivity and Social Cohesion’ highlighting the need to enhance connectivity and cohesion to promote resilience within the community.
He also highlighted the importance of being hospitable and kind as well as embracing differences and diversity.
Social Work Officer, Family, Women and Children Section from JAPEM Nur Arifarina binti Haji Rosli spoke on social work where she said “actions and roles from the community can affect social transformation as a whole.”
She added, “This include random act of kindness, volunteering and donating, empathy and non-governmental organisations”.
She also highlighted JAPEM’s roles in dealing with social problems.
PJSC Executive Director Dr Haji Mazrul Adimin bin Haji Awang Besar was the guest of honour.
The Chairperson of the World Social Work Day 2023 and the Head of MSW Siti Fairuz binti Abdul Latiff gave an opening remark.
Yesterday’s forum was aimed at highlighting that social work’s professions have put many contributions. WSWD is commemorated on Tuesdays of the third week in March annually around the globe, which marks a key day in the year that social workers worldwide stand together to advance the common message globally.
